Camino Portugués Coastal – Day 12 Caldas de Reis → PadrónApril 26, 2026Distance: ~13 milesSteps: ~28,000 (Bob) Changing it up Going to change things up a bit today and start with Victor’s perspective. Partly because it was a big day for him mentally, and partly because it probably shows he’s a lot deeper than I … Read more
Camino Portugués Coastal – Day 11Pontevedra → Caldas de ReisApril 25, 2026Distance: ~15 milesSteps: ~35,000 We left later than we ever have today, around 9:15 or 9:30, and were among the last to leave the albergue. At this point, it doesn’t really matter. We’re in a rhythm now. We understand how this works. There’s no … Read more
Camino Portugués Coastal – Day 10Redondela → PontevedraApril 24, 2026Distance: ~13 miles Back on it this morning. Left the hostel around 8:45, later than most. Definitely among the last few pilgrims heading out. This was the one we half-jokingly referred to as the homeless shelter. Somewhere between that and a military barracks. Very basic. Thin … Read more
Camino Portugués Coastal – Day 9Vigo → RedondelaApril 23, 2026Distance: ~10–11 miles Only a pathetic 28,000 steps today 😂 A different kind of start today. Stayed in Vigo last night and, for the first time on this trip, allowed for a genuinely relaxed morning. Not a lie-in exactly, but no rush, no pressure to get … Read more
Camino Portugués Coastal – Day 8Baiona → VigoDistance: ~19 miles Started the day better than expected. After yesterday’s 22 miles, I thought I’d wake up in bits, but actually felt alright. Not fresh, but certainly workable. No breakfast at the albergue, which caught us out, so ended up walking about 30 minutes before finding a … Read more
Camino Portugués Coastal – Day 7A Guarda → BaionaDistance: ~22 milesSteps: ~45,000+ (Victor ~50,000) The toughest day yet Today was hard. Proper hard. We ended up doing around 22 miles, about 45,000 steps, with Victor pushing closer to 50,000. Way beyond what we expected when we set off. The start Victor had a rough night. … Read more
Camino Portugués Coastal – Day 6Caminha (Portugal) → A Guarda (Spain)Distance: ~7 milesBorder crossing day Bit of a slower start this morning, which was needed after yesterday. Clothes hadn’t dried overnight, so first job was finding a laundrette to finish them off. Not glamorous, but part of the rhythm now. You either stay on top … Read more
Viana do Castelo → CaminhaDistance: 18 milesSteps: ~39,000Last full day in Portugal Started the day simply. Breakfast was nothing to write home about. We stopped early for a coffee by the beach. Victor had a pastel. I stuck with coffee. That was enough to get going. Straight onto the trail after that. No hanging around. … Read more
Camino Portugués Coastal – Day 4Esposende → Viana do CasteloDistance: 16.7 milesTime: 6h 08m movingSteps: 38,000Elevation gain: 1,254 ft Today was the hardest day so far. 16.7 miles, but it wasn’t just the distance. The trails were technically difficult in sections, especially through the woods and forest. Uneven ground, climbs, and having to stay focused … Read more
Vila do Conde → EsposendeDistance: ~15 milesSteps: ~35,000From Porto: ~35 miles completedTo Santiago: ~135 miles remaining Today was a full day. About 15 miles and roughly 35,000 steps. It was sunny again. Not brutally hot, but constant exposure, and I got burned for the second day running. The coastal route gives you long open stretches … Read more